The Grand Chief Imam of Egbaland, Fadhilat Sheikh Saadallah Bamigbola, alongside leading Imams from the cardinal sections of Egbaland, has issued a strong call for fairness and inclusivity in the forthcoming 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.
At a strategic meeting convened under the umbrella of the Egba Muslim Community, the clerics reviewed the socio-political trajectory of the Gateway State and raised concerns about what they described as a “disparity in representation” in the state’s leadership history.
Historical Context
Since the creation of Ogun State 50 years ago, only one Muslim—Senator Ibikunle Amosun (2011–2019)—has held the governorship seat. The other leaders have all been Christians:
Chief Olabisi Onabanjo (1979–1983); Chief Olusegun Osoba (1992–1993; 1999–2003); Senator Gbenga Daniel (2003–2011); Prince Dapo Abiodun (2019–date)
By the end of Governor Abiodun’s second tenure in 2027, Christian governors would have collectively led the state for about 25 years, compared to eight years under a Muslim governor.
Call for Equity
Speaking after the meeting, Sheikh Bamigbola declared: “In the spirit of fairness, equity, and the promotion of religious harmony, the Muslim community demands that the mantle of leadership be passed to a Muslim candidate upon the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent governor in 2027.”
The Imams emphasized that their demand was not about division but about strengthening unity through balanced representation.
Mandate to Political Parties
The clerics urged all political parties in Ogun State to prioritize competent Muslim candidates in their selection process. They resolved to embark on grassroots mobilisation and sensitisation campaigns, pledging to support any political platform that demonstrates commitment to equitable power-sharing.
Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, Chief Imam of Gbagura, added: “We shall lend our full support and influence to any political platform that demonstrates commitment to this call for equitable power-sharing.”
The Imams reminded the public that they had supported Prince Dapo Abiodun’s candidacy in 2019 after the tenure of a Muslim governor. They appealed to Christian leaders, traditional rulers, trade unions, student bodies, and civil society organisations to back what they described as a “just shift.”
Sheikh Sulaiman Kehinde, Chief Imam of Owu Kingdom, stressed:
“This is not a call for division, but an invitation to strengthen the bond of unity through fair representation.”
The Egba Imams concluded that fairness and equity in power rotation are fundamental to sustainable peace and development in Ogun State.
“Our collective goal remains the progress of Ogun State. We believe that fairness and equity in power rotation are fundamental to sustainable peace and development,” the statement read.
The communiqué was signed by Sheikh Bamigbola and other prominent clerics, including Sheikh Musliudeen Nosirudeen (Chief Imam of Oke-Ona), Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun (Chief Imam of Gbagura), Sheikh Sulaiman Kehinde (Chief Imam of Owu Kingdom), Alh. Imam Najeemdeen Wale Bakenne (Olori Omo Kewu of Egbaland), and Sheikh Salis Adenekan (Olori Adeen of Egbaland).